Courtesy of USDA/APHIS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for a topical powder to prevent and treat New World Screwworm infestations.
According to the FDA, “The FDA has concluded that based on the scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that Negasunt Powder may be effective for the prevention and treatment of NWS myiasis in cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, mules, and captive wild, exotic, and zoo mammals, and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks.”
Elanco US, the sponsor of Negasunt Powder, intends to provide limited distribution to the USDA for further distribution to authorized users. While this tool is only available to USDA authorized personnel while there is no NWS detected in the United States, the tool would become available to or under the direction of licensed veterinarians in NWS-infested and surveillance zones.
According to the FDA, “Coumaphos and propoxur, two of the active ingredients in Negasunt Powder, can cause neurotoxicity. The EUA sets specific requirements to address this risk for people, animals, and the environment. It is important that authorized users of this product review all human and animal safety information, including the boxed warning and limitations of authorized use, and closely follow its conditions of use and disposal instructions as detailed in the Fact Sheet: Emergency Use Authorization of Negasunt Powder (coumaphos, propoxur, and sulfanilamide topical powder) for New World Screwworm (NWS).”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.